Appraisers find much to praise, but plenty to do as well

Strathbungo’s long-awaited Conservation Area Appraisal is now available online.

It’s an attractive 26 page document that’s hugely informative, covering everything from the early history of the village to the current state of the lanes and railings.

Of course, the overarching concern is preservation and enhancement of the architecture and built environment and the good folk at the Council’s Development and Regeneration Services have given us a comprehensive guide to what needs doing.

Expect to receive a leaflet sometime soon explaining the implications of living in a conservation area and details about grants and other assistance available to householders.

Overall, the appraisers found much to praise in our little island – which makes it all the more important to get busy on the black spots. They mention, for example, the roundabout and the pedestrianised area outside Sammy Dow’s – no surprises there!

They also point to the footbridge landing at Moray Place as ‘cluttered with street furniture, poor fencing and damaged walls’ but alas, no 150 year old beech tree gracing it any longer.

Looking on the bright side, there’s also now strong evidence to underpin the Strathbungo Society’s campaign to restore the back lanes.

All in all it’s a great read and no home (in the conservation area) should be without one. To order your free copy, contact Susan McGowan on 0141 287 8629 or on email. Read it online (PDF).